Cusco Rear Strut Tower Brace installation

by Dave

(note: I removed the bar and installed it in the exact opposite manner and it fit as it should, my bad Thanks GTMAN)

In the eternal quest to get better performance and handling from our automobiles, we're forced to make changes to our cars that the manufacturer wouldn't or couldn't. Many of these modifications are very common-sense but for one reason or another, they weren't included in the final design. One example is the lack of an intercooler on the Legacy Turbo. This would have made the car much faster but the added cost and complexity, as well as the absolute requirement of premium grade fuel to ward off engine destruction.

Since the early nineties automobile chassis design has been heavily modified to create a very stiff body to prevent flex and subsequent noise. One of the most popular modifications to performance-oriented cars is to stiffen the chassis by tying the four chassis points together with solid links. Front and rear strut tower braces are an inexpensive way to add noticeable stiffness to the chassis.

In researching ways to lessen body roll and keep my wagon from clunking over bumps i called Trey at Cobb Tuning about my options. They had a Cusco rear strut tower bar available for the 90-94 Wagons that has an oval shaft. in conversation with Trey i came to the conclusion that the rear bar was a no-brainer. He'd never installed one on a BF Legacy but said that if it makes as much difference on the older models as the newer ones it was worth every penny. In retrospect this was as accurate as it could possibly be.

Installation is relatively simple in theory and practice, in the most part.

Removal of the rear speaker covers is first. Second, fold back the sound-deadening material and get it out of the way. Next you'll have to get a sharp blade or cutting device as some moderate trimming is necessary. Loosening the bolts on the bar make it much easier to install. Disassembly is not necessary.

In all i'd have to say i'm very impressed. The changes in the car are very noticeable. The ride is smoother and bumps are met with far less shimmying and rattling. I would recommend this to any Legacy, Impreza or Forrester owner who wants a much better feeling drive.

 Not a lot of cutting is necessary. Start by cutting straight down to the horizontal crease and connect and remove that part. Start from the front cut and cut at a downward angle following the grade of the tower inside and obviously angling slightly down towards the back of the car.

The notch should be inhabited by that metal bit, but just past the notch the same part interferes with the brace mounting flush.

Everything now flush, ready for the nuts.

In order to install the bar properly you must loosen the bolt that holds the bar steady. There's a normal hex nut on the far side and an Allen-style hole on the close side.

When installed the bar clears the back seat and cargo cover with room to spare.

My subwoofer isn't quite as pleased though, as it has to sit even farther back.